Per the Florida Statute, a governmental entity can only annex properties that abut property located within that city’s boundaries. The statute also strictly prohibits enclaves or pockets of unincorporated areas.

A municipality may wish to annex land to ensure sound urban development and accommodation to growth as well as ensure that municipal services can be provided to those areas. A municipality can only annex land that is contiguous with a part of the boundary of the municipality. A city might wish to annex land to clean up irregular boundaries and eliminate enclaves. A city will also annex land at the request of the property owner.

Property owners contiguous to the City may initiate voluntary annexation proceedings. A petition signed by all property owners in the area being considered for annexation must be submitted to the City of Cocoa. The Property is annexed upon adoption of an annexation ordinance by Cocoa City Council.

The City can initiate annexation proceedings through an annexation referendum of all registered electors residing in the area being considered for annexation. The annexation passes with a simple majority of registered voters voting for annexation.

The City can also initiate annexation proceedings in non-residential areas. The City may annex an area when the owners of more than 50% of the acreage and more than 50% of property owner’s consent in the area are consenting to the annexation.

All residents and business owners within Cocoa city limits receive a 10% reduction on the water utility bill as well as a 25% reduction on sewer and reclaimed water. Additional intangible benefits of annexing into Cocoa include responsive police and fire services, proactive business environment and code enforcement, streamlined and competitive permit fees, additional representation from local district council member, and available local economic development and community redevelopment grant and incentive programs as well as marketing and promotion of available commercial and industrial property located within Cocoa city limits.

Properties within Cocoa city limits receive trash pick-up twice per week, with days varying depending on the location. Yard waste is serviced on Wednesdays and yard waste piles serviced on Thursdays. All services are performed by Waste Management, as contracted by the City of Cocoa. Rates for residential and commercial properties are approximately $15.19 and $33.63 respectively, to include garbage, recycling, and green waste pick up.

Connecting to the Cocoa sewer is not required; however all properties have the ability to connect at the owner’s discretion. There is an impact fee and sewer connection charge. More information can be obtained by contacting Cocoa Utilities Department at (321) 433-8704.

Water utility bills will not increase if annexed into Cocoa city limits. In fact, Cocoa residents and businesses will receive a 10% reduction in the water utility bill for annexing into Cocoa city limits.

Properties must be assessed by the Brevard County Property Appraiser by January 1. All properties annexed prior to June 1 will reflect the new millage rate on the final property tax bill mailed on November 1.

The 2015 Brevard County MSTU (MUNICIPAL SERVICES/COUNTY MSTU) millage rate, to include Fire Control, Law Enforcement, and Road & Bridge, is 2.2999 combined. Once annexed into Cocoa city limits, those tax rates will be replaced with one flat tax rate labeled City of Cocoa using a millage rate of 5.9790, or $5.979 for every $1,000 of taxable value. All other imposed taxes on your property tax bill will remain the same. (Example: A property with a taxable value of $200,000 located in unincorporated Brevard County will have a total property tax of $3,106. That same property located within Cocoa city limits would have a total property tax of $3,841.)

Both the City of Cocoa and Brevard County impose an annual fire assessment fee. Fees vary based on property type. (Example: RESIDENTIAL: A single-family residence of 1,500 square feet located within unincorporated Brevard County has an annual fire assessment of $177.87. Within Cocoa City limits, the same single-family residence has a fire assessment fee of $187.93 annually. COMMERCIAL: A commercial parcel with a 9,000 square foot building on a one (1) acre parcel with a retail use valued at $670,000 and located within unincorporated Brevard County has an annual fire assessment fee of $982.60. Within Cocoa City limits, the same parcel has a fire assessment fee of $1,114.88 annually.)

Law enforcement and fire protection services will not be affected. The City of Cocoa and Brevard County entered into a mutual aid agreement for shared fire services to ensure that all residents in the unincorporated areas are receiving services, whether from the County or the City. You may already receive services provided by Cocoa Fire Department. The unit responding to your requests is dependent upon the drive time to the nearest fire station, and availability of service. Once annexed into Cocoa city limits, the responding unit for law enforcement will be the Cocoa Police Department. The Cocoa Police Department has 3.7 offers per 1,000 persons versus Brevard County with 1.67 sheriff officers per 1,000 persons within the unincorporated area.

In accordance with Section 119.07(a)(a) of the Florida Statutes, the costs for duplication of public records are as follows:

One sided pages cost $.15 per pageTwo sided pages cost $.20 per pageOversized pages (11"x17" or14-7/8"x11") cost $.25 per pageAll other pages are charged at the actual cost of duplication

Certified copies cost $1.00 per certification plus the copying charge

Costs for clerical or supervisory assistance apply when the nature or volume of public records requested to be inspected, examined, or copied requires 15 minutes or more of information technology images or extensive clerical or supervisory assistance by personnel of the department or division involved, in addition to the actual cost of duplication.

The actual charge shall be reasonable and shall be based upon the labor costs actually incurred or attributable to the City for the clerical and supervisory assistance required of the personnel providing the service.

In keeping with the City of Cocoa's easy access, community spirit, public document policy, there will be no labor charge for requests requiring fifteen minutes or less in actual labor. However, when requests from members of the public require fifteen minutes or more in actual labor, they will be charged for all time expended.

Based upon the length of time estimated to provide the service, a deposit may be required.

Fifteen minutes of clerical time will be charged to copy an audio cassette is or a video cassette, in addition to the actual cost of the cassette.

If you are 65 years of age or older and have a household income that does not exceed $20,000.00, you may apply for an additional homestead exemption at the Brevard County Property Appraiser's Office. Income verification and a sworn statement must be provided at the time of application. For additional information, please call (321) 455-1444. For additional information...

A Notice of Hearing is issued once a re-inspection has been completed and the property is still in violation by the Code Officer. This notice is provides the property owner a date and time for a hearing regarding the violations on the property.

If you have received a Notice of Hearing it is strongly encouraged that you are present for the meeting. Code Enforcement Division encourages the property owner to contact the Code Officer that issued the letter.

The property owner is ultimately responsible for the code violations on their property. However, if the violator is known can be cited as well. This is why the property owner receives the Notice of Violation and the Notice of Hearing when violations are present on the property.

You can contact the Code Enforcement Division in a few different ways to file a complaint. 1. By Phone – 321-433-85082. By Mail –1226 W King Street, Cocoa, FL 329223. By Email through the City Website - http://www.cocoafl.org/141/Code-Enforcement, click on Share Your Concerns.

Per the City Code Section 6-901; “All owners, agents, custodians, lessees and occupants of real property within the city shall cut and keep cut to a height of not exceeding twelve (12) inches all weeds, grass or underbrush on any property owned, controlled or occupied by them within the city and shall remove any trash, debris, refuses, filth, junked appliances or other noxious matter located upon such property.”

Major recreational equipment may be parked or stored in a residential district within required front, side and rear yards, providing that: (A)Major recreational equipment stored forward of the front building line shall: (1)Be a maximum of twenty-two (22) feet in length overall. (2)Be parked within the established paved driveway. (3)Not be allowed to extend into public rights-of-way, including streets and sidewalks.

No, Per the City Code it is unlawful for any individual to park, cause to be parked, or allow to be parked any semitrailer truck or any other truck or bus for a longer period than fifteen (15) minutes in any residential area of the city.

Temporary storage units are permitted in residential zoning districts provided the following criteria are met: (1) A maximum of one (1) temporary storage unit is permitted per lot;(2) The maximum size of the temporary storage unit is ten (10) feet wide, twenty-four (24) feet long, and nine (9) feet high; (3) The maximum time a temporary storage unit is permitted to remain on the lot is thirty (30) consecutive days with a maximum of two (2) placements permitted per year; (4) The temporary storage unit shall not be placed in any right-of-way, retention area, septic field or easement and shall not create a site obstruction for any vehicular or pedestrian traffic; (5) The temporary storage unit shall not be used for the storage of live animals, hazardous or flammable materials, or human habitation; (7) Written notice provided to the city by the vendor or owner, on forms provided by the city, identifying the location and time of placement and removal of the temporary storage unit.

Kennel - shall mean any place of business where dogs or cats, regardless of number, are kept for sale, breeding, boarding or treatment purposes, except a dog hospital, dog beauty parlor or pet shop, all as allowed by the zoning regulations of the city, or any premises used for residential purposes where five (5) or more dogs or cats, six (6) months old or older, are kept, harbored or maintained.Kennels are not allowed within the city limits of the City of Cocoa except where specifically allowed by the city's zoning ordinance and only in the manner provided by said ordinance.

Pools must be secure and kept sanitary by code. Contact Code Enforcement so an officer can inspect the property. Offices may not enter a property unless a life safety issue is present. Officers can’t look over fencing to view a violation.

Once a complaint has been filed, an inspector will conduct an inspection of the location. If the complaint is valid the Officer will mail a Notice of Violation to the property owner. The notice will have date for compliance to be achieved, at that time the Officer will conduct a re-inspection of the location. If the location has complied with the request in the Notice of Violation the case will be closed, however if the violation(s) still exist the Officer will mail a certified Notice to Appear for a Hearing to the property owner. The Notice to Appear for Hearing will have a date for the CEB meeting which is when the case will be heard by the Board members. At the meeting the Officer will give a brief description of the property, the violation(s) and a staff recommendation. The meeting will be opened to the property owner/violator for testimony or a brief statement to the Board members. The Board, after the testimonies, will make a decision based on the evidence and testimonies given. Each case heard will receive in the mail a Board Order stating the Findings and the Facts of the case for the CEB meeting. In the Broad Order a date for final compliance will be specified with the fine amount for non-compliance. The Officer will complete an inspection for compliance based off the date provided in the Board Order. If the location has complied with the request in the Board Order the case will be closed, however if the violation(s) still exist the property will go before the Board for a Non-Compliance Hearing and be found in non-compliance and a lien will be assessed against the property.

There are two types of liens that can be placed on a property, Fixed Lien or Running Lien.A fixed lien is a lien that the amount doesn’t change. A running lien is an amount that is accruing at a specific amount per day, this is typical of a property that was found in violation and has not corrected the violation(s). The first step to handling a running lien is to correct the violations as soon as possible and call the Code Enforcement Office for a re-inspection of the property. Once the inspection has been completed, the running lien becomes a fixed lien. At that time the property owner may complete a Lien Reduction Application to request a reduction from the Code Enforcement Board. The property will need to be in compliance with all City Codes at the time of the request and remain in compliance through the duration of the Lien Reduction process. Once the application has been completed, the fee has been paid and the property has been re-inspected, the case will be placed on the next closest CEB agenda. (NOTE: The applicate will need to be present at the meeting for the request to presented before the Board.) After the CEB has heard the case and made a recommendation, the case will be placed on the next closest City Council Agenda for Approval or Denial of the recommendation. (Note: The owner may choose to be present at the City Council meeting, it is not required but it’s recommended.) If approved the property owner will have 30 days from the City Council meeting to pay the reduced amount. (NOTE: if the owner fails to make that payment the lien will revert back to the original amount and the owner will not be allowed to request a reduction again from one full year.) Once the amount is paid in full, staff will request a Release of Lien from the City Clerk’s Office. Note: Abatement liens (weed or demo) are fixed liens that are not eligible for a lien reduction; these types of liens are services rendered and are required to be paid in full for the service(s) rendered.

Yes! We are more than happy to show off our new engines, truck, squad, and soon we will have new stations to show off! We will give tours at all 3 Cocoa Fire Stations. Please call 639-7613 to arrange your tour.

Cocoa Fire Rescue Department responds to all requests in the city for medical assistance. We are equipped to provide medical services until a county ambulance arrives. In most cases the fire truck can arrive minutes before the ambulance.

Cocoa is home to several Magnet elementary schools, Cocoa High School, Brevard Community College and the University of Central Florida's Brevard Campus. It is a true circle of learning within a 5 mile radius!

Brevard County's mandatory evacuation areas include the barrier islands, mobile and manufactured homes, and low-lying areas. Homes near US1 may be in a storm surge zone. Visit http://www.brevard.fl.gov/emergencymanagement/haveaplan/evacuation to determine whether you live in an evacuation zone. Deciding to stay when you are told to evacuate could mean a delay in emergency services and difficulty to reach you. It can also mean an increased risk of losing utility services. Visit http://floridadisaster.org/publicmapping/ to see if you are in an evacuation zone.

If you live east of the Indian River, across a causeway, you live on a barrier island. The following communities are considered barrier islands: Merritt Island, Cape Canaveral, Melbourne Beach, Satellite Beach, Indian Harbor Beach, Cocoa Beach and Indialantic.

Evacuations will be announced with enough time for you to prepare your home, pack your car, and drive to a place of safety well before tropical storm-force winds arrive. Brevard County Emergency Management will make the announcements for evacuations and available shelters and the City of Cocoa will share that information through their communication channels.

Shelter locations and openings are incident specific and will be posted at www.embrevard.com, on the Brevard Emergency Management social media pages, provided to 211 Brevard and sent out to the local media channels once those decisions have been made. Brevard County has general population, pet-friendly and special needs shelters.

A shelter is a place to go in the event of an evacuation, but it can be noisy, crowded and have few personal comforts. Shelters should be your last resort if you have nowhere else to go. A shelter is a stressful environment for everyone; please treat your fellow evacuees with courtesy and kindness.

Residents going to a shelter need to take their own supplies, some of which may be found in your disaster supply kit:

Shelter Options

There are three types of evacuation shelters available to the public: Primary Evacuation Shelters, Special Needs Shelters, and Pet-Friendly Shelters.

Shelter openings are incident-specific

Never go to a shelter unless local officials have announced it is open. Shelter opening will be announced through local television, radio stations, social media, and the Brevard County Emergency Management Website.

Shelters are designed to house residents of the barrier islands (including Merritt Island), those in low-lying or flood-prone areas, those in mobile/manufactured homes, or those with no other sheltering options.

If you choose to go to a shelter, follow these instructions:

Stay as calm as possible, and take your disaster supply kit.

Bring your own cots or sleeping materials.

Bring changes of clothing, and wear sturdy shoes.

If you have dietary restrictions, bring food that you will be able to eat.

Bring what you need to stay comfortable and entertained.

Not all shelters will have electricity throughout the emergency.

Shelter Rules – If staying in a shelter, be aware of the shelter rules:

We are guests. Please treat the facility, equipment, and staff respectfully.

No disorderly or disruptive behavior will be allowed.

No smoking, alcohol, or drugs allowed.

No guns or weapons of any kind permitted.

You must sign in when you arrive and sign out when you leave

Shelters are intended to keep you safe, not necessarily comfortable. Remember, a shelter is a life boat, not a cruise ship.

Pet-Friendly Shelters

Pet-friendly shelters are designed to accommodate household pets. Owners are responsible for the feeding, care, clean-up, and behavior of their pets. Shelter openings are incident-specific. Never go to a shelter unless local officials have announced it is open.

Pet Disaster Supply Kit

If you go to a pet-friendly shelter, you will need:

Current rabies vaccination certificate

Shot records

Leash and collar

County animal license tags

Medications

Create or cage for each animal

Pet food

Cleaning supplies

Newspaper or pet pad

Comfort items for your pets

Planning for Individuals with Special Needs

The Brevard County Special Needs program is for residents with specific health and/or medical conditions needing assistance with sheltering in times of an emergency or disaster during an evacuation. Residents who meet the Special Needs criteria and have no other alternative for a safe shelter should register with Emergency Management.

You can also talk to your home health care agency, hospice agency, medical supply company, or other caregiver, who can assist with completing an application.

Once registered, annual updates are required to keep information current and up-to-date.

For Special Needs Clients with Pets

As part of the Special Needs registration application, there will be space provided to share information about your pets. Due to health concerns, pets are NOT allowed in Special Needs shelters, so when it comes time to go to the shelter, you will receive a call which will verify your need to be taken to a shelter and pet information. You will be given an approximate time that you will be picked up and Animal Services will pick up your pet. You will need to have your disaster kit, your pet, and their items ready. Once the emergency has passed, and you have returned home, Animal Services will return your pet.

Transportation Assistance to a Shelter

Transportation is free to all Special Needs and primary evacuation shelters, and will be provided to residents who register a transportation request either as a part of a special needs application or if a resident has no means of transport to a shelter. Transportation will only be provided to and from a shelter. No other destinations will be provided.

When Going to a Shelter

A shelter is a place to go in the event of an evacuation, but it can be noisy, crowded and have few personal comforts. Shelters should be your last resort if you have nowhere else to go. A shelter is a stressful environment for everyone; please treat your fellow evacuees with courtesy and kindness.

Residents going to a shelter need to take their own supplies, some of which may be found in your disaster supply kit:

YES. It is a good idea to turn off the water to your home if you plan to evacuate. Also, if you own a dock, make sure to turn off the water there as well. If the main from the meter to your home breaks while you are away, it can cause flooding in and around your home.

The City of Cocoa does not turn off water during a storm. Depending on the trajectory and strength of the impending storm, City leadership may decide to isolate the system that supplies water to the barrier islands (Merritt Island, Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach) from the main utility system since that system is more susceptible to breaks in the system. Breaks in the barrier island system could be unreachable for many hours depending on the storm and therefore cause pressure loss to the entire utility system. This is not a guarantee for every storm. If this happens, there will still be water service, but it will be limited to the amount stored in tanks on the barrier island. Local city and utility officials will evaluate the speed, direction, and intensity of the forecasted storm to determine if and when an isolation to the system is needed. Once the decision has been made, the message will go out through the multiple communication channels throughout the entire county and will be communicated to the news media and through the City's website and social media pages.

Barrier islands include all areas east of the Indian River including Merritt Island, Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach. Water main breaks are highly likely on the barrier islands but can happen at any location where the storm hits. All residents are advised to be prepared for potential loss of water service and for the possible issue of a Precautionary Boil Water Notice once water service is restored. Prepare by storing water ahead of the storm.

Causeways DO NOT close prior to a storms arrival. Residents are provided every opportunity to evacuate. However, it is unsafe to cross causeways in high winds. After the storm has passed, causeways will close until it has been inspected for safety by the Florida Department of Transportation. This is why it is very important to remain off the roadways immediately following a storm, to give the proper authorities time to clear and inspect the roadways so they are safe for travel.

Volunteer Information

United Way of Brevard assists with storm related volunteer efforts. Please make sure to prepare yourself and your family first and then if you are able, here are links if you are interested in volunteering.

The City of Cocoa has provided piles of sand in the past for residents to fill their own sand bags but this is not a guarantee before each storm. Not all homes need sandbags. Research ahead of time if you live in a low-lying area that is prone to flooding. Sandbags may be used to protect your home by placing them across doorways to prevent water from entering the building. Most home improvement stores carry sandbags. You can purchase them and keep them in your hurricane supply kit and then fill them with sand or dirt available on your property. Home improvement stores often sell fill dirt as well. Remember DO NOT fill your bags with sand from the beach. If you plan ahead, this will save you time when a storm is approaching. Remember, lines were quite long to get sandbags during Hurricane Matthew and Hurricane Irma. Location and availability of sandbags available prior to a storm will be updated as the information becomes available. Most local municipalities do not provide sandbags prior to a storm.

The City's waste services provider will collect trash and yard debris prior to the storm's arrival. However, do not wait until the last minute to clean up your yard and dispose of your debris. Any debris not able to be picked up can become projectiles and can clog drains and cause flooding. Please keep your yard maintained throughout hurricane season. Do not stack debris near storm drains. Residents will be notified via the City's website and social media channels when the last pick-up will occur. After that point, please remove any loose debris from your yard.

Public Safety personnel are always on duty and ready to respond. Please be aware that emergency responses could be delayed due to storm conditions or damaged or blocked roadways. Your safety is our main concern as well as the safety of our Public Safety personnel.

Electricity outages are likely during a storm. You can prepare ahead of time by making sure the trees in your yard are free from any power lines prior to storm season. Visit http://www.fplmaps.com/ to see outages and keep track of when power will be restored. Florida Power and Light (FPL) works very hard to restore service to customers as quickly as possible.

Many times after a large storm that brings a lot of rain, there is a lot of pressure on sewer systems from all of the storm water. Also, electricity outages can mean the loss of power at some pump stations. After a hurricane, you may be asked to limit usage to sanitary use only —that means strictly limiting or not doing laundry, taking only very short showers, no watering your lawns, and limiting dish washing or any other activity that sends a lot of water down the drain and into the sewer system. To prevent back-up into homes, conservation is a good option. Only use your water for what is necessary until the systems can get back to normal after the storm. This is also another good reason not to rush back home after the storm.

Please be patient after the storm has passed. Public service personnel are working hard to get our communities back up and running safely as quickly as possible. You can help by keeping the roads clear so service personnel can get to areas of concern quickly.

Make sure to keep your debris piles separated. Debris pickup will go a lot faster if debris is separated into vegetative and other debris piles. Debris pick-up will begin as quickly as possible.

Following a storm, Brevard County Waste will be sending debris trucks around to pick up debris. They are covering a large portion of the county which can delay pickup. Waste Management can not pick up any debris that is not in a Waste Management container during the time frame that the county is collecting debris. If you have smaller piles of debris, you can place them in your waste receptacle to be picked up by Waste Management.

Do not rush back to your home after you have evacuated. Public Safety personnel are out and about making sure the roadways are safe for your return and it is easier to do that without all of the traffic back on the roadways. Many traffic lights will be out, roadways can be flooded, power lines can be down and utility service many not be established at your home yet. Please remember to take your time returning home until it is safe to do so. Be patient and be careful.

First, call (321) 639-3500 extension 4 to see if the date and space your are requesting is available. The Leisure Services staff can put your date on a pending hold for 2 weeks. This will give you 2 weeks to fill out and submit the necessary forms and 25% deposit to hold the space. Event Reservations...

Alcohol is permitted to be distributed at events inside the City of Cocoa facilities. However, it must be served through your licensed and insured caterer only. We must have that license and insurance on file no later than 30 days prior to your event date. In order to sell alcohol at one of our facilities you may need to obtain a permit from the Florida Department of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (FDABT) or the caterer you are using must have the appropriate permit from the FDABT.

The Riverfront Park Fountain runs 10:00am-6:00pm daily unless it is undergoing maintenance or is scheduled to go off for an event. To find out if the Fountain is scheduled to be off, please contact Leisure Services at (321) 639-3500.

The Brevard County Property Appraiser provides accurate valuations of property located within Brevard County and makes every effort to produce and publish the most current and accurate information possible.

By clicking on the "Property Research" button on the Property Appraiser's web page, one can search property records by owner name, legal description, tax account number, and property address. Once the property is found, the information listed includes Parcel ID, Property Address, Tax Account Number, Owner Information, Legal Description, Value Summary, and information on Land, Sales, Extra Features, and Taxes for the property. General boundary maps and aerial photographs are also available.

The Parcel ID or property address of a property is needed in order to determine its zoning. If you do not have either one, they can be obtained at the Brevard County Property Appraiser's website. Once the Parcel ID or property address is known, please contact the Planning and Zoning Division for zoning confirmation. Written Zoning Confirmation Letters are available for a nominal fee.

The Records Section is open from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. There is no charge for reports to victims. A charge of fifteen cents per page for single-sided copies, and twenty cents per page for two-sided copies is charged for requests from other parties. If you need further information about reports call the Records Section at (321) 637-6300.

Yes, fingerprinting is done on Tuesdays from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. There is a $10.00 fee. You must bring your fingerprint card with you, have it filled out in black ink, and have a valid picture ID.

Absolutely not. Florida regulations absolutely prohibit the police department from sharing information from the statewide FCIC/NCIC computer system with other than law enforcment personnel. The department can be fined, and lose its terminal for violations of these regulations. However, the Brevard County Tag Agency will run a tag for you, and the Florida Driver's License office will run a driver's license check.

Because of the potential for damage to vehicles the police department does not open locked vehicles. A locksmith is your best alternative. If a child is locked inside the vehicle, the Fire Department will send a rescue unit to remove the child from the vehicle, possibly by breaking a window. As a community service, certain locksmiths will also respond to release a child from a vehicle at no charge.

The police department can only have vehicles towed that are on public property. Call a wrecker service in your area and the vehicle will be towed away at no cost to you. The wrecker service will notify the owners once they have determined ownership.

Cases involving criminal acts which appear to have some basis of solvability are referred to a Detective for further investigation. To inquire about your case, call the Criminal Investigations Division at (321) 637-6330.

Traffic Citations are processed through the Traffic Division of the Brevard County Clerk of Court's Office. If you have any questions about paying for a traffic citation or you would like to set a hearing date, please contact the Clerk's Office directly at (321)264-5283. The Brevard Clerk of Court

The Police department dispatch center does not have the names of persons involved in accidents available. If a person is injured in an accident and unable to call themselves, we will notify their family.

The Police Department depends on citizens calling to report crimes or suspicious activity. The Dispatcher who takes your call will ask questions about the activity to determine its nature and ask for descriptions of the people involved. You may be asked if an officer or detective may contact you but you may refuse contact and remain anonymous, if you wish.

Contact the Brevard County Law Enforcement Academy for information on becoming a police officer and entrance into the police academy. The police academy is located at the Melbourne campus of Eastern Florida State College, located at 3865 North Wickham Road, Melbourne, Florida 32935. EFSC also houses the Brevard Police Testing and Certification Program for applicant testing and assisting out-of-state law enforcement officers who wish to relocate to our area. The Criminal Justice Center can be reached by telephone at (321) 632-1111.

Attempts are made to solve (close) most cases, because of limited time and resources however, we prioritize investigations of those more serious cases with strong leads ahead of less serious cases or those with few leads. Cases are prioritized based on solvability and seriousness of the offense. For example, a child abuse case will take precedence over a felony theft case. Often times the complexity of the case will dictate the length of time it takes to close it. Circumstances such as evidence that needs to be analyzed by the crime lab or another agency will often cause the case to remain open longer.

The final decision on whether or not a case will be prosecuted rests solely with the State Attorney’s Office. You may contact the Brevard County State Attorney at 321.617.7510 or through their web site: http://sa18.state.fl.us/

By being willing to get involved. Anytime a person suspects or fears a child is being abused, they need to make it their business and report it to the local police or the Department of Children & Families. To contact to the Department of Children & Families call 1.800.96.ABUSE

All child abuse investigations are assigned to a detective because of the serious nature and the delicacy of the cases. Detectives work with the Department of Children & Families in determining the exact nature and type of abuse. Once the investigation is completed it is forwarded to the state attorney for prosecution. For more information on child abuse and the Department of Children & Families visit their website: http://www.state.fl.us/cf_web/

Narcotic use in the City of Cocoa is on the rise, however the citizens of Cocoa can make the difference to combat this problem. Anyone with information on drug dealers or users, please e-mail all tips to drugtips@cocoapolice.com All tips will remain anonymous.

The School Resource Officer program (SRO) is a nationally accepted program involving the placement of a law enforcement officer within the educational environment. The officer, while in school, is involved in a variety of functions aimed at prevention. Besides being an active high profile law enforcement officer, the SRO is a resource for students, parents, teachers and administration regarding law issues. Another duty for the SRO is being a link to other service agencies which provide preventive and counseling services within the school district. Working hand in hand with the Principal in each school, the SRO assists with finding solutions to problems affecting school age children in the 21st Century.

The SRO program is a proactive approach to deal with the pressures today's young people find themselves having to confront. This includes the use of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco, along with peer pressure, gang activity, and sex. These situations are not only in the schools, but in the community as well. The approach of addressing these issues only in the school, or only in the community, has not been completely effective. Traditionally, police and school did not interact until one called upon the other.

Children affected by substance abuse or gang activity in the community will be carrying that into the school, which in turn affects other students, educators, and administrators.

One of the most important aspects of the SRO program is the ability of the officer to develop teamwork in fighting many problems that students of today are facing. The SRO works with many agencies such as school based-youth programs, HRS, Crosswinds, the Department of Juvenile Justice, and others to provide teen health services, substance abuse counseling, mental health counseling, and parent, student, and staff counseling.

The basic outline of duties for the SRO includes investigating crimes that occur within the school and on school property, creating a positive role model for students, creating a link between law enforcement and the students, and being a resource for parents, staff, administration, and students in regards to law enforcement and community problems.

Today, the program has become a valuable asset to the police department, school district, and the community.

The SRO program works much the same way with each school in Cocoa. At Cocoa High School the SRO works with the administration, educators, and counselors. The role each plays is dependent on the needs of the situation. Cocoa High School is dedicated to providing an education to all of their students. With this goal in mind, all assets and services are pledged to this end.

A student with a suspected substance abuse problem is a different concern than a student being harassed or a student suspected of being involved in gang activity. No one person has the "final" say as to the solution to a situation, as each has a differing role, authority, and approach. The primary concern is that of the student.

The SRO in Cocoa High School is located adjacent to the Front Office. Anyone in the school has access to the SRO, or a note can be left in the office. The Officer can also be contacted by calling Cocoa High School, at 632-5300. If the SRO is unavailable, you can leave a message; however, if school is not in session, or the switchboard operator is gone for the day, it is also possible to contact the SRO through the Cocoa Police Department, at 639-7620.

This is a question that is common with parents, teachers, and community leaders. The question is easily answered when you ask yourself the following: Wouldn't you rather send your child to a school where there is an active law enforcement officer on duty, working with the school system, who acts quickly to solve problems?

While there have been some concerns within and around Brevard County Schools, an officer in the school is not a required necessity. Any time an officer is in an area, that officer's presence alone will usually deter behavior not normally accepted by society.

The Brevard County School system, the City of Cocoa, and the Cocoa Police Department, are working together to confront problems our students must face now. By addressing these issues together and proactively we become increasingly effective.

Throughout the United States each year over 200,000 violent crimes occur on school property. Each year 150,000 students stay home because they are "sick of violence and afraid they might be stabbed, shot, or beaten". Every day in the U.S. 60 teachers are assaulted and 160 are threatened. It is estimated that between 100,000 and 135,000 guns are brought to school each day. During the 1992-93 school year, 91% of urban schools, 81% of suburban schools, and 69% of rural schools identified student vs. student assaults as the leading school related violent act.

Although most statistics are nationwide, we can see the trend. An SRO, if utilized correctly, should be the first line of defense against gangs, drugs, alcohol, and school violence. The Supreme Court recognized the effects that gangs and drugs have in our schools and have ruled that "gangs and drugs" are inherently dangerous. They have also stated that every student in the United States has the right to feel safe while attending school.

Through prevention programs, it is hoped that in Cocoa, Florida, we can reverse the trends that are hurting our youth and education. The school system understands and believes that we hold the future of youth in our hands.

There are three ways a person can be qualified and designated as a "sexual predator" in the state of Florida and, therefore, be required to comply with Florida's sexual predator registration laws:

1) "One is enough" - Commit one specified offense on or after October 1, 1993, in Florida or in another jurisdiction, be convicted of such an offense, and have a court enter a finding that such person is a sexual predator;

OR

2) "Second Strike" - Commit one specified offense on or after October 1, 1993, in Florida or in another jurisdiction, after having previously been convicted of or found to have committed, or pled nolo contendere or guilty to, regardless or adjudication, one or more of specified sexual offenses, and have a court enter a finding that such person is a sexual predator.

OR

3) An offender who has been determined to be a sexually violent predator pursuant to a civil commitment proceeding under chapter 394 shall be designated as a "sexual predator" under this section and is subject to registration and community and public notification. {Section 775.21(4)}

There are several ways a person can be qualified and designated as a "sexual offender" in the state of Florida and, therefore, be required to comply with Florida's sexual offender registration laws:

1) Be convicted of committing, or attempting, soliciting, or conspiring to commit, any of the specified crimes below in this state or of similar offenses in another jurisdiction (or any similar offense committed in this state which has been redesignated from a former statute number to a specified one);

AND

a. Be in the custody or control of, or under the supervision of, the Florida Department of Corrections, or be in the custody of a private correctional facility, on or after October 1, 1997, as a result of the above convictions.

OR

b. On or after October 1, 1997, be released or have been released from the sanction(s) imposed for the above conviction(s). ("Sanction" is definedbelow);

OR

2) Establish or maintain a residence in this state and have not been designated as a sexual predator by a court of this state but have been designated as a sexual predator, as a sexually violent predator, or by another sexual offender designation in another state or jurisdiction and as a result of such designation, are subjected to registration or community or public notification, or both, or would be if a resident of that state or jurisdiction;

OR

3) Establish or maintain a residence in this state and be in the custody or control of, under the supervision of, any other state or jurisdiction as a result of a conviction for committing, or attempting, soliciting, or conspiring to commit, any of the specified criminal offenses listed below (or any similar offense committed in this state which has been re-designated from a former statute number to the one specified).

A V-COP is an adult who serves their community through volunteer service with the Cocoa Police Department.

A V-COP may be a retired person who is looking for a way to use their years of experience and training to help their community. Or, they may be a younger person with a desire to help make things better in Cocoa.

There is a place of service for every person in the V-COP program, regardless of training and experience.

Any adult who has a heart to serve and desires to see their talents used to better the City of Cocoa.

V-COP candidates must have a valid driver's license, without a history of significant traffic violations.

Persons with felony convictions, a significant history of drug use, or recent alcohol-related traffic charges are not eligible to serve as V-COPs. V-COPs serve at the sole discretion of the Chief of Police.

The Public Service Tax (PST) is a 10% tax on water utility customers inside the City of Cocoa limits beginning October 1, 2017 that was first approved by Council on August 8, 2017 with a second reading and final adoption on August 22, 2017. The Public Service Tax is only calculated on water base fee and consumption, not the entire utility bill which could include sewer and reuse. Customers can expect to see the first billing of the PST on their November 2017 utility bill.

Considered and evaluated as part of the City’s Strategic Plan, and in an effort to diversify revenue sources and maintain essential and critical public services, the City of Cocoa City Council has determined that a 10% Public Service tax (PST) on the sale of water to inside City of Cocoa customers was needed effective October 1, 2017. This PST (allowed by s. 166.231, Florida Statutes), is a common revenue source levied by other communities throughout the State and within Brevard County. The PST was initially identified during the City’s Fiscal Year 2015 budget workshops, and has subsequently been evaluated each fiscal year during budget development based on the need to maintain municipal services, such as public safety and infrastructure operations and maintenance, at existing levels. During the June 29, 2017 FY2018 Budget Priorities workshop and at its August 9th Budget Workshop, City Council, in lieu of increasing the property tax rate to cover revenue shortfall, supported levying the Public Service Tax on the sale of water to inside City of Cocoa customers. This will enable the City to further attain its goals of maintaining essential and critical public services and remaining fiscally sustainable long-term. The PST will be implemented along with targeted reductions in operating costs (12% decrease compared to the current year’s budget). The average increase per month to our residents will be about $2.73, and customers can expect to see the first billing of the PST on their November 2017 utility bill.

The Public Service Tax is a 10% tax on water utility customers inside the City of Cocoa limits beginning October 1, 2017 that was first approved by Council on August 8, 2017 with a second reading and final adoption on August 22, 2017. The Public Service Tax is only calculated on water base fee and consumption, not the entire utility bill which could include sewer and reuse.

As part of the City’s 2016-2021 Strategic Plan, the objective to evaluate and consider alternate and new revenue sources was identified. The diversification of City revenue sources allows for reduced reliance on volatile property values; prevents a disproportionate shift of the tax burden to higher valued residential and or non-residential property; and it promotes greater equity and fairness in that all residents and consumers of municipal services are sharing in the costs for the services.

The City has strategically used its reserves to fund capital projects and one-time capital expenses for items that were deferred during the economic downturn, such as roadway maintenance, replacement of public safety vehicles and equipment, and investment in community infrastructure. However, the City cannot use reserves to fund on-going expenses to balance it's budget as either a short or long-term strategy because the reserves would be depleted in approximately 5 years.

Increases in insurance including health, auto and general liability, as well as salary increases pursuant to collective bargaining agreements and to retain employees at competitive salaries. The City has worked with our public safety unions to better manage the costs of pensions but there have been increases in this most recent year. It should be noted that the proposed FY2018 operating budget was decreased by approximately 12% from the current fiscal year budget.

The average resident (4,000 gallon/mo consumption) will see an increase of approximately $2.73 on their monthly water bill. Customers can expect to see the first billing of the PST on their November 2017 utility bill.

In order to make up the revenue shortfall, after deliberate review and consideration, the City would be forced to reduce critical staffing, including Economic Development and Public Safety as well as funding for local organizations that support our community and our youth.

If you live within the City limits of Cocoa, please call 321-433-8770 or 433-8788. Please leave a message so we can quickly assist you. You can complete the Request Tracker Form (click the Request Tracker Form link). If you live in unincorporated Brevard County (Port St. John, Canaveral Groves, Merritt Island, etc.) you need to call Waste Management (321-636-6894) or Brevard County Solid Waste (321-633-2042). Request Tracker Form

Your residential collection includes garbage collection twice per week, recyclable collection once per week, yard waste collection once per week, one green waste and one white goods bulk pickups per year.

Solid Waste is picked up on Monday and Thursday. Recyclables, yard waste is picked up on Wednesdays. If you have a large amount of yard waste to be picked up, please call 636-6894. Bulk Greenwaste is picked up on Saturdays.

To protect the environment and ensure the safety of our residents, the City of Cocoa does not accept household hazardous waste for curbside collection. These items include solvents, paints, auto fluids and household/pool chemicals. As an alternative, Brevard County Solid Waste conducts hazardous household chemical collection during the year. For more information on household chemical collection, contact Brevard County Solid Waste at 321-633-2042.

Also, a suggestion on those handy thin plastic shopping bags. They work great as little trash bags, or to carry lunches to work or school, but please do not put them in the recycle container. Most stores have a recpticle for them near the front of the store. When they get into the recycling, they cause problems with the sorting machinery and mostly just make a mess Brevard County Solid Waste

Yard waste is collected once per week as part of your standard curbside service. Please put the yard waste in an "Autocart" container (some people may call them "hobos" or "dumpsters"). Please do NOT put green waste in a plastic bag, or yard waste bag. To find out your yard waste collection day, call us at 321-433-8770, email us, or fill out the online Request Tracker Form. Request Tracker Form

If a holiday falls on your regular collection day, you will not recieve service that day. Waste Management will resume regular pickup on your next scheduled day.

On the Waste Management's website, they have an up-to-date listing of holiday schdule and contact information if you are uncertian about a holiday. You can find the schedule here --> Waste Managemet Holiday Schedule

Almost anything! City of Cocoa residents enjoy Single-Stream Recycling. This means no more sorting, simply put everything in the same container. However, those handy plastic shopping bags can not go into the recycling. Most stores have a recycling container near the front specificly for those bags.

Waste Management has all the details of "Single Stream" recycling here.

Residents within the municipality of Cocoa can call 321-433-8770 or complete the Request Tracker Form and someone will get back with you. If our answering machine picks up – please leave a short message – we are on the phone helping another customer – and we look forward to returning your call. The City of Cocoa collects a minimal stormwater user fee to fund the maintenance of all public stormwater ditches and pipes. Public property ditches, catch basins, and storm water pipes are cleaned throughout the year to help promote the efficient stormwater management REQUEST TRACKER FORM

During daytime hours, please call 321-433-8770 or complete the Request Tracker form and someone will get back with you. After hours, or in emergencies, please call the Cocoa Police Department at 321-639-7620 Ext. 4. If our answering machine picks up – please leave a short message – we are on the phone helping another customer – and we look forward to returning your call. Request Tracker Form

Residents within the Municipality of Cocoa can call 321-433-8770 or complete the Request Tracker form and someone will get back with you. If a STOP sign is down please contact the City of Cocoa Police Department at 321-639-7620 Ext. 4. If our answering machine picks up – please leave a short message – we are on the phone helping another customer – and we look forward to returning your call. Request Tracker Form

Stop signs are installed to promote safer intersections. Stop signs generally do not deter someone from speeding – if someone intentionally and wantonly violates the posted speed limit they will also violate Stop signs. If there is an issue with routine speeding normally we first look at increased Police enforcement. The Cocoa Police Department can be reached at 639-7620 x 4. If our Police Department feels enforcement is not viable they request Public Works to look further in to the issue to see what other solutions may exist.

Please call 321-433-8770 or complete the Request Tracker form and someone will get back with you. If you feel it is an immediate danger to the motoring public please contacts the City of Cocoa Police Department at 321-639-7620 Ext. 4. If our answering machine picks up – please leave a short message – we are on the phone helping another customer – and we look forward to returning your call. Request Tracker Form

Typically, most speeding situations can be resolved with enforcement for the laws we have in place now. You may contact the Cocoa Police Department at 321-639-7620 Ext. 4 and describe the vehicle and time of day of the incident. Speed humps are installed only after all other efforts to curb speeding have been exhausted. To begin the process for installing speed humps a petition is signed by at least 51% of the property owners, owning at least 51% of the property, along the impacted street. After receiving a valid petition – from 51% of property owners along the impacted street - Public Works will conduct an assessment to determine a likely outcome of speed humps – beneficial and negative, what surrounding area and connecting streets will be impacted, where the speed humps are best placed, the full installation and maintenance cost, comments from emergency services – Police & Fire, and all required signage installations. After the assessment is completed a second petition requiring 51% of property owners within the “impacted area” are again requested to re sign the petition and acknowledge receipt of the copy of the Public Works assessment. Once a post assessment petition is validated, Cocoa City Council will then be requested to review. Police - Traffic Complaint Form

Please call 321-433-8770 or you can complete the Request Tracker form and someone will get back with you, if an answering machine picks up – please leave a short message – we are on the phone helping another customer – and we look forward to returning your call. Ideally, local residential streets should be repaved between 15 and 20 years taking into consideration conditions and traffic load - unless an unusual circumstance deems it necessary to re-pave sooner. Several of the major streets in Cocoa; i.e., Clear Lake Road, Dixon, SR520, US1, are not maintained by the City of Cocoa. But you may consider contacting our office and allow us to relay requests for services to the County or State as needed. In 2006 – it costs on average about $60,000 to mill and repave one of our local residential streets.City of Coca budgets a fixed amount of money for roadway resurfacing each year. Request Tracker Form

Please call 321-433-8770 or complete the Request Tracker form and someone will get back with you; if an answering machine picks up – please leave a short message – we are on the phone helping another customer – and we look forward to returning your call. A sidewalk panel that has been pushed up by tree roots or some other source is a priority on our maintenance list. Citizens can help us monitor our sidewalks by calling in broken sidewalks. A sidewalk that is simply cracked is a cosmetic issue and doesn’t require immediate attention.

A new sidewalk is one where there is currently none. Needs will have to be evaluated and, then, a petition with signatures of the neighboring residents will have to be obtained. Funds may need to be budgeted for the project. Request Tracker Form

Please call 321-433-8770 or complete the Request Tracker form and someone will get back with you; if our answering machine picks up – please leave a short message – we are on the phone helping another customer – and we look forward to returning your call. A street sweeper is contracted by the City to sweep streets and parking lots once a month. The purpose of sweeping is an environmental precaution to prevent pollution and debris from entering our storm system and water ways. The cleaner the storm drain system is the better it operates. Typically, Cocoa sweeps about 90 cubic yards of debris a month; that’s 90 cy that does not make its way in to our water ways. Sweeping begins on the first day of the month and continues until all streets have been swept, typically about six working days. After the first cycle has been completed, the sweeper returns the third week and sweeps again in the Cocoa Village area. Hours of operation are generally from 4:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.. Please help by keeping trees trimmed 14 feet above the street and bushes cut back from the curb so the sweeper can get under and past. Also, if you know the sweeper is in your area try to avoid street parking.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has initiated a road-widening project on U.S. 1 from Pine Street north to Cidco Road in Cocoa. The project involves widening U.S. 1 from four lanes to six lanes, curb and gutter improvements, traffic signals, lighting, sidewalks, and installation of storm water pipes to improve drainage along the roadway.

The U.S. 1 Corridor Community Redevelopment Area (CRA), in partnership with the City of Cocoa, entered into a local planning agreement with FDOT, in which the CRA committed $1.5 million for landscape, hardscape, and lighting upgrades to the roadway. Additionally, the Cocoa Utilities Department has made a monetary contribution to the project to replace aging water mains and waste-water pipes.

You can start service several different ways depending on if you have ever had service with the City of Cocoa before.

If you have had prior service with the City of Cocoa, and we have up to date information for you, you can call our customer service office at (321) 433-8400 or visit us in person at Cocoa City Hall located at 65 Stone St. in Cocoa.

If you have never had service or we have no or incomplete information for you account, you can fill out and print a New Account Application Online Form or PDF Version. Have the form notarized and send it, along with legible copies of your driver's license and Social Security card by fax to (321) 433-8408 or mail to City of Cocoa Customer Service, 65 Stone St., Cocoa, FL 32922.

You may fill out and submit the Terminate Service Application online; fax us the information at (321) 433-8408; call Customer Service at (321) 433-8400; or come in person to the Customer Service Department located in Cocoa City Hall at 65 Stone Street. Terminate Service

To reinstate service, the entire balance must be paid. Payment may be made with your Visa/Master Card on our web page, by phone or by visiting the office. To insure that your turn on is processed immediately, please inform the customer service representative that your water has been turned off for non-payment. If payment is made by 3:30pm, your water will be restored the same day. A $50.00 non-payment charge will be applied to your bill.

Mail your payment to our secure payment processing center using the included payment stub and envelope. If you do not have a payment stub or envelope, please make sure your full account number, including dash, is on your check and send your payment to:City of Cocoa P.O. Box 1270 Cocoa, Fl 32923-1270Mailing your bill directly to the City delays the processing of your payment and could result in cut off for non-payment.

Direct bank drafting by filling out an ACH Debit Request form

Online credit card and e-check payments through our website (You will be redirected to our 3rd party vendor, a convenience fee will apply)

A late fee of $5.00 or 1.5% of your bill, whichever is greater, will be added to your account if payment is not received by the due date as stated on your bill. If you have received a bill with the previous balance not yet paid, a late notice will be sent to you within five days. If payment is not received within ten days from your second billing date, your service will be disconnected.

April 6th bill was due on April 27th.May 10, 2002 bill was due on May 31st.

If payment was not received by April 27th, two late fees would be charged. The March late fee could not have been charged on the April bill since it was sent out before the due date, therefore, it was charged on the May bill along with the April late fee.

eChecks are an electronic version of a paper check. This means that instead of a paper check, you fill out your bank information online. Although the entire process takes place electronically, an eCheck follows the same bacis path of a paper check. This means that no autorization or verification of funds or bank account or routing numbers is done at the time of your submission. If the incorrect account number is entered, the Bank rejects the payment and charges the City of Cocoa a return fee. This fee is passed onto the customer. If you use this service at www.cocoafl.org, please make sure your information is correct.

You should receive your bill around the same time every month. You may call the Customer Service office at (321) 433-8400 to have a new bill printed or to get your balance for payment. You may also access the automatic phone feature and have the bill faxed to you. Failure to receive your bill will not avoid discontinuation of service.

For all single family residential service, the water deposit for a ¾" meter is $40.00 and will be billed on your first month's water bill. This deposit may be waived if you have a letter of good credit from a water utility within the last twelve-month period.

The City of Cocoa is a billing agent for the surrounding sewer service providers. The deposit is collected by the City of Cocoa on your first month's water bill if sewer is available in your area. The following are residential sewer deposits: Brevard County $70.00, Cape Canaveral $65.00, Cocoa inside City $50.00, Cocoa outside City $60.00, Cocoa Beach $65.00-$115.00, Rockledge $40.00 and Sun Lake $60.00. (The City of Cocoa sewer deposit may be waived if you have a letter of good credit from a water utility within the last twelve-month period.)

All residential water deposits are refunded after one year of good payment history. Cocoa, Cape Canaveral, Rockledge and Brevard County also refund residential sewer deposits after one year of continuous good payment history. All other sewer companies do not refund their sewer deposits until the account has terminated.

You may receive a water credit if the bill with high consumption is at least $100.00 more than your average consumption and 50% greater than most recent 6 month average. Only one credit per twelve-month period may be granted. If the high consumption overlaps a two-month period, the City will calculate the credit on the month that will provide the customer with the highest credit. Customers on Cocoa sewer will be given a sewer credit back down to their average. To inquire about a sewer credit from the other utilities, please call them directly. Please click on High Consumption Application for more details.

Pool fills do not qualify for a high consumption water credit, although you may qualify for a sewer credit. Contact your sewer company,in writing, requesting a sewer credit. Please include the date the pool was filled.

The meter reader must often remove dirt from the glass meter face. Customers may not see the meter when it's clean because dirt may fall back in and cover the meter when the lid is closed. If the meter is under water, the meter reader uses a hand pump to pump the water out of the meter box until the meter face is clearly visible. We have also implemented a Radio Read program which is in its early stages.

City of Cocoa Utilities Department owns the meter and the backflow prevention assembly as well as the pipes connecting them to our system. The property owner owns the from the outside of the backflow prevention assembly into the building or home and is responsible for repair and maintenance.

The St. Johns River Water Management District imposes a year-round watering restriction. Updated March 8, 2009

Irrigation is prohibited between 10a.m. and 4p.m.

During daylight savings time irrigation is limited to no more than two days per week on scheduled days.Residential irrigation at odd numbered addresses is allowed on Wednesday and Saturday.Residential irrigation at even addresses is allowed Thursday and Sunday.Nonresidential irrigation is allowed on Tuesday and Friday.During Eastern Standard Time irrigation is limited to no more than one day per week on scheduled days.Residential irrigation at odd number addresses is allowed on Saturday.Residential irrigation at even numbered addresses is allowed on Sunday.Nonresidential irrigation is allowed on Tuesday.

**This does not apply if you are using a reclaimed water system. Reclaim water may be used at anytime.

Call St Johns River Management District at 386-329-4500 for further questions or visit Floridaswater.com for additional information.

Yes, when the meter stops registering usage, the meter is inaccessible, such as when a vehicle is parked over the meter, broken glass, condensation, or during times of flooding or storm situations. On these occasions, an authorized representative of the Customer Service Division estimates usage. NOTE: The property owner is responsible for providing clear access to the meter.

Because of its mechanical design, the meter cannot speed up. The meter is a positive displacement meter. This means that the meter will only register if water passes through it. A set of magnets transmits the motion of an internal disc, causing the numbers to turn only when water is passing through the meter. As a meter ages, it tends to slow down (measuring less water than actually passes through it) or stops altogether. If this happens, the city removes and replaces the meter.

To determine your water usage for one month, locate the meter in your yard. Make a note of the odometer-type numbers, reading them from left to right. About one month later, take another reading. Then calculate the total by subtracting the previous reading from the current reading.

The Customer Service Division bills water usage in increments of 1,000 gallons, always rounding down to the nearest thousand (never up). Since the actual reading was 11,100 gallons, the customer would only be billed for 11,000 gallons. The remaining 100 gallon will be billed the next billing cycle. Meter readers only record the black numbers on the white wheels. They do not record the white numbers on the black wheels which represent 100s, 10s and the sweep hand for single gallons.

Your water meter can also be used as a leak detection device. It can tell you if there is a leak and how serious it is. It can also tell you how much water various appliances are using. To see if you have any leaks, turn off all the water in your home and check your water meter. If the leak detector (small red triangle or diamond) is not moving, you do not have a serious leak. To check for very slow leaks, note the position of the sweep hand and record the numbers above. Read the meter again after 15-20 minutes. If it has not moved, you have no leaks. If it has moved, it's time to search for leaks. It is the property owner's responsibility to correct leaks as soon as possible. Use your water meter to check how much water your sprinklers, toilets, showers, and washing machines use. **If you have a radio meter call customer service for further instruction. More...

Customers inside the City of Cocoa limits, paying for residential garbage service, may receive a $1.00 discount towards garbage service. To qualify the Customer must be 65 years or older, provide I.D., and fill out the application. If disabled, the application must be filled out and signed by a physician. Online Billpay

Without proper protection devices, something as useful as your garden hose has the potential to poison your home's water supply. In fact, over half of the nation's cross-connections involve unprotected garden hoses.

What is a "cross-connection"?

A cross-connection is a permanent or temporary piping arrangement which can allow your drinking water to be contaminated if a backflow condition occurs.

What is "backflow"?

It's just what it sounds like: the water is flowing in the opposite direction from its normal flow. With the direction of flow reversed due to a change in pressures, backflow can allow contaminants to enter our drinking water system through cross-connections.

A potentially hazardous cross-connection occurs every time someone uses a garden hose sprayer to apply insecticides or herbicides to their lawn. Another cross-connection occurs when someone uses their garden hose to clear a stoppage in their sewer line.

Without a backflow prevention assembly between your hose and hose bibb (spigot or outside faucet), the contents of the hose and anything it is connected to can backflow into the piping system and contaminate your drinking water.

This hazardous situation can affect more than a single home. In 1977, an entire town in North Dakota had to be rationed drinking water from National Guard water trucks while the town's water distribution system was flushed and disinfected following contamination by DDT. Investigation determined that two residents spraying DDT had made direct cross-connections to their homes. A backflow condition had occurred, sucking the DDT through the home piping systems and out into the town's water distribution system.

Backflows due to cross-connections are serious plumbing problems. They can cause sickness and even death. However, they can be avoided by the use of proper backflow prevention assemblies. Each spigot at your home should have a hose-bibb vacuum breaker installed. This is a simple, inexpensive assembly which can be purchased at any plumbing or hardware store. Installation is as easy as attaching your garden hose to a spigot.

Are you unknowingly exposing your family to potentially harmful bacteria and viruses?

All too often people who use a blue dye toilet tank freshener complain about “blue water” appearing at their kitchen sink. Where did this “blue water” come from?

That’s Right – The Toilet Tank

And, did you know that you may be exposing yourself and your family to bacteria and viruses just by flushing your toilet? Experts say that each time you flush your toilet, a little bit of sewer gas seeps into your toilet tank. To prevent the seepage of sewer gas and the germs associated with it from getting back into your drinking water, it is essential that the toilet flush valve in your toilet tank be properly air-gapped from the water contained in your toilet tank. An air gap is essential to prevent a cross-connection between your drinking water and the sewer.

Air gaps eliminate cross-connections between your drinking water and the contaminated water in your toilet tank. Unfortunately, not all toilet flush valves provide this essential air gap. If a cross-connection exists, the slightest change in water pressure could allow contaminated water to backflow into your house, including your kitchen sink. To prevent this type of backflow, be sure to install a “plumbing-code approved” toilet flush valve.

The air inlet on the flush valve MUST be located above the water level maintained in the tank by the float and the overflow pipe. It is important that the refill tube be attached to the over-flow pipe and properly air gapped above. Incorrect installations create cross-connections.

For more information on cross-connection control and backflow prevention for your home or business, please contact the Water Field Operations Division- City of Cocoa Utilities Department 433-8890.

ATTENTION PROPERTY OWNERS

Effective: OCTOBER 1, 2008

The City of Cocoa Utilities Department will have a Contractor test your backflow prevention assembly each year. The cost for this will be on your monthly utility bill.

If the particles are rubbery in texture and do not smudge then they are most likely from the disintegration of rubber materials used in plumbing fixtures. The first places to look would be at your plumbing gaskets, hot water flex tube and o-rings as they can disintegrate over time and can collect in toilet tanks, tubs and around faucets. Depending on the case you will want to drain your hot water heater to remove any remnants of the rubber particles. The city currently utilizes chloramines as a disinfectant and it is known to cause disintegration of some types of plumbing fixtures overtime. If you experience frequent disintegration of your o-rings and gaskets contact the manufacturer, or replace with plumbing fixtures that are resistant to chloramine. Be sure to take off the tubing after taking all precautionary/manufacturer suggested steps as the outside of the hose or tubing may look in tact and the inside may be disintegrating.

If the particles are small black flecks they are most likely from filters that you have hooked up to your house that uses carbon filters to remove contaminants. If you do have filters and determine that this is the cause, you should change or flush your filters per your suggested manufacturer guidelines.

If the black particles smudge when you apply pressure they are normally due to the anode in your hot water heater needing to be cleaned or replaced following manufacturer recommendations. The hot water heater will then need to be drained per manufacturer suggestion, this should be done on a yearly basis to prevent build up inside your tank.

Suggested fix? If after you have found and corrected the issue, you remove and clean your aerators from your faucets, then flush the system by running cold water for 5 minutes from your taps it will likely resolve the issue of black particles. If the problem continues after flushing and you have determined that the source is not a rubber gasket/ tube, your hot water heater or a filter, please contact the Water Quality Assurance Laboratory at 321-433-8709.

After responding to numerous calls concerning "free water testing services" from companies who include in their company titles words like "Florida" and "utilities", Cocoa Utilities representatives are informing customers that the City of Cocoa does not represent these companies or endorse their testing methodology. The City of Cocoa meets or exceeds all testing and MCL’s set by regulatory agencies. If at any point the city does fall into violation a public notice would be sent out as required by DEP.

Water treatment salespeople use many tactics, including the sludge test - exaggerating the amount of minerals in water and making it seem harmful. The color change test - using a chemical to change water color making the homeowner think the water is contaminated. And horror stories - showing news articles about toxic waste, etc.

Please see the links below to the EPA’s secondary non-mandatory maximum contaminant limits, the primary mandatory maximum contaminant limits and the City of Cocoa’s utility page for the link to the water quality report which shows the most recent levels of detected contaminants in our annual consumer confidence report.

No, tap water should not be used without further treatment. Our tap water contains a disinfectant called chloramine and must be treated prior to use for kidney dialysis. Please contact your physician or kidney dialysis center for the appropriate water treatment process, or a suggested purified water source.

No, the tap water is treated with chloramine disinfectant and can be harmful when used for fish without proper treatment prior to addition. For suggestions on proper treatment contact your local pet supply store, they can suggest which chemical additives are available for pretreatment of your tap water used in fish tanks or ponds.

No, the City of Cocoa cannot endorse or recommend any treatment devices. If you have questions on which type removes what or which may be best for you there are great websites or documents that are unbiased. Please see some examples in the links below.

“Bottled water is not necessarily safer than your tap water. EPA sets standards for the drinking water provided by public water systems; the Food and Drug Administration sets bottled water standards based on EPA’s tap water standards. Bottled water and tap water are both safe to drink if they meet these standards, although people with severely compromised immune systems and children may have special needs. Some bottled water is treated more than tap water, while some is treated less or not treated at all. Bottled water costs much more than tap water on a per gallon basis. Bottled water is valuable in emergency situations (such as floods and earthquakes), and high quality bottled water may be a desirable option for people with weakened immune systems. Consumers who choose to purchase bottled water should carefully read its label to understand what they are buying, whether it is a better taste, or a certain method of treatment. More information on bottled water is available from the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) (http://www.bottledwater.org/) which represents most US bottlers.” EPA

When your tap water appears brownish, rusty or off in color, the likely cause is iron or manganese from aging pipes or naturally occurring elements in the water. Iron and manganese are not a health risk but can cause discoloration; this is normally temporary and disappears after the system is flushed, either in the system or your own home. The city does not recommend drinking tap water if it is discolored due to aesthetic reasons, i.e. it won't taste, smell or look good. Also, you may not want to wash your clothes in this water until the situation clears as it may stain your clothing. You will want to inspect your piping to see if you have any rusting pipes and your hot water heater as it may be time to flush or replace it per manufacturer suggestions. Solution?Flush your hot water heater if needed, inspect your piping, clean your aerators on your faucets and then try flushing your cold water for 5 minutes and it should clear up the discolored water. If the color does not disappear after 10 minutes of flushing, contact the Water Quality Assurance Laboratory at 321-433-8709.

If your tap water looks milky or cloudy it is normally caused by air that enters the pipes and then escapes in your tap water in the form of oxygen bubbles. Air bubbles do not present a health risk. When it is colder outside the outside pipes contain water that is colder and holds more oxygen than your household pipes, thus causing the water to warm and the oxygen to release as bubbles which can cause your water to look cloudy. This can also be caused by construction in the distribution system which also can allow more air into the pipes. Another reason air bubbles may form is the fact that the water in the pipes are under more pressure than the water coming out of your faucet. Water under pressure holds more oxygen and thus as it changes to being under less pressure this oxygen is released as tiny air bubbles.This cloudiness should naturally disappear in a few minutes of flushing your lines but you can test this by running some tap water into a clear container or glass and watching for a few minutes. The water should begin to clear from the bottom to the top of the container, which is due to the air bubbles rising to the surface and dissipating. If the cloudiness/ milky appearance does not disappear, contact the Water Quality Assurance Laboratory at 321-433-8709.

The aerators on your faucet/ shower head are strainers and are used to break up the flow of water as it leaves your faucet/shower head. These screens can collect particles overtime that are found in water and should be routinely cleaned and replaced.The common source of buildup on the aerators is from the hot water heater; it can either be from the hot water heaters non-toxic plastic dip tube disintegrating or from naturally occurring dissolved calcium in the water which turns into calcium carbonate in your hot water heater.

If you place the particles in distilled vinegar and the white particles begin to "bubble" within a few minutes and mostly dissolves within 24 hours, it is likely calcium carbonate. If the white particles do not bubble and does not dissolve, it is likely plastic.If you discover that it is calcium carbonate, we recommend flushing the hot water heater, which should be done annually to prevent build up as a regular maintenance program. Contact a plumber or follow your manufacturer suggestions to flush. If you discover that it is plastic, call the manufacturer of your hot water heater, or read your user manual to trouble shoot this.If you have checked the dip tube, flushed the water heater, cleaned the aerators and flushed you’re water by running it for 5 minutes on cold, and the issue still persists please contact the Water Quality Assurance Laboratory at 321-433-8709.

The white residue that you are seeing is the results of dissolved minerals found in water. Some common dissolved minerals are calcium and magnesium and they are directly related to the hardness of the water. "Soft water" is said to be soft if it has a low concentration of calcium and magnesium ions in it, as opposed to “hard water” which has a high concentration of calcium and magnesium. These dissolved minerals do not pose a risk to human health but can build up on surfaces over time and become a nuisance. Commercial products are available to remove white residue caused by minerals in water.

The city uses hard water over soft water as part of its corrosion control program as soft water tends to be more corrosive and can break down the piping throughout the system. The average level of hardness for the city is roughly 115 ppm or 6.7 grains per gallon (gpg), which is classified as moderately hard to hard water. Total dissolved solids, which include hardness, does have a non-mandatory secondary maximum contaminant level of 500 mg/L (ppm) which is equivalent to 29.2 gpg. These secondary contaminant limits are set as voluntary limits for contaminants that are deemed to not be a health concern but are a concern for the aesthetics of the water itself (taste, color, odor etc).For more information on secondary contaminants and their SMCL please visit the EPA webpage below. http://water.epa.gov/drink/contaminants/secondarystandards.cfm

The reason that you have a hard time is due to the hardness of the water. "Soft water" is said to be soft if it has a low concentration of calcium and magnesium ions in it, as opposed to “hard water” which has a high concentration of calcium and magnesium. Our city water that you use is hard water, this causes washing your hands and bathing with soap to leave a film on the skin and can lead to dryness of the skin. Washing with hard water also makes it harder to work the soap up into lather, causing the use of additional soap and can also leave spots or a film on cars, or dishes. The city uses hard water over soft water as part of its corrosion control program as soft water tends to be more corrosive and can break down the piping throughout the system. The usual level of hardness for the city is roughly 115 ppm or 6.7 grains per gallon (gpg). There is no maximum contaminant level set specifically for hardness as it is not deemed a health concern. Total dissolved solids, which include hardness, does have a non-mandatory secondary maximum contaminant level of 500 mg/L (ppm) which is equivalent to 29.2 gpg. These secondary contaminant limits are set as voluntary limits for contaminants that are deemed to not be a health concern but are a concern for the aesthetics of the water itself (taste, color, odor etc).For more information on secondary contaminants and their SMCL please visit the EPA webpage. http://water.epa.gov/drink/contaminants/secondarystandards.cfm

If you are experiencing an odor from your tap it is normally from the sink drain and not the actual water itself. The plumbing beneath your sink can collect debris and organic matter over time and create an odor at your tap that can sometimes smell like sulfur or something rotten. If you begin smelling an odor when you turn on the water, try filling a clean glass with tap water and smell the water in a separate room away from the sink or outdoors. Generally the odor will no longer be present, as the actual odor is coming from the drain when the water hits the decomposing debris. We recommend cleaning your drains with a disinfection product and flushing your drain to remove any debris and odor. If after cleaning your piping the odor still remains contact the Water Quality Assurance Laboratory at 321-433-8709.

Our drinking water is disinfected with chloramine to ensure protection against contaminants. The Water Quality Assurance Laboratory routinely collects and analyzes samples throughout the city to ensure chlorine levels are above the minimum level and below the maximum level in compliance with FDEP. Sometimes customers may notice an increase in chlorine taste and odor in their drinking water. If the problem that you are experiencing is a chlorine odor, it is recommended that you flush your cold water taps for 5-10 minutes to eliminate the odor. If the problem is a chlorine taste, you could try collecting and refrigerating cold water after running your cold tap for at least two minutes or after you have ran your water for some other use. Use clean, sterile bottles or pitchers for collecting the cold tap water and refrigerate in an open container. After an hour or two, the chlorine taste and odor should disappear and the water will be conveniently cold for drinking. If a chlorine odor continues after flushing, contact the Water Quality Assurance Laboratory at 321-433-8709.

The City of Cocoa does add fluoride to the drinking water to prevent tooth decay and protect public health. The United States Environmental Protection Agency's (US EPA) maximum contaminant level (MCL) of fluoride in drinking water is set at 4.0 mg/L (ppm), a non-mandatory secondary maximum contaminant level (SMCL) is also currently set at 2.0 mg/L (ppm). The City of Cocoa prides itself on following the voluntary U.S Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) optimal level of 0.7 mg/L (ppm) for fluoridation. For more information on fluoridation, the voluntary limits, and regulated limits please visit the EPA websites below. http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/6427a6b7538955c585257359003f0230/86964af577c37ab285257811005a8417!OpenDocumenthttp://water.epa.gov/drink/contaminants/secondarystandards.cfmhttp://water.epa.gov/drink/contaminants/index.cfm

For more information on our levels please visit the City of Cocoa’s utility page for the link to the current water quality report.http://www.cocoafl.org/Index.aspx?NID=235

The red or pink pigmented material that you will find in any moist environment in your house is actually an airborne bacterium called Serratia Marcescens, it is not from the drinking water itself. This bacterium can come from many natural places and can be greatly increased in homes where the chlorine residual has been removed due to activated carbon filters, other water treatment devices, or where the water has sat for a period of time lowering the disinfectant residual. These non-pathogenic bacteria cannot survive in chlorinated drinking water. Commercial cleansers including bleach are useful in removing the bacterium but regular cleaning will be needed to reduce the occurrence.

If you were looking for specifics on the level of an analyte found in your drinking water please visit our latest Water Quality Report, which details which analytes tested for were detected and their levels. http://www.cocoafl.org/Index.aspx?NID=235

Please see the page below to EPA’s consumer concerns FAQ’shttp://safewater.supportportal.com/link/portal/23002/23015/ArticleFolder/871/Consumer-Concerns

You may also call the Water Quality Laboratory at 321-433-8709, if no one is available to answer please leave a message or report a concern at the City of Cocoa’s website http://www.cocoafl.org/requesttracker.aspx

The City of Cocoa Utilities Department is committed to providing clean, fresh drinking water to all customers and assures its customers that we have taken corrective actions to prevent a similar oversight in the future.

The City of Cocoa Utilities Department has a website dedicated to information about Cocoa’s Drinking Water. Visit www.CocoaWaterWorks.com for more information. Customers can also view the City of Cocoa’s 2016 Water Quality Report at www.CocoaFL.org/WaterQualityReport. The 2017 Water Quality Report will be available in July 2018.

When you apply for reclaimed water service, you may select the size of the service line connection. The gallons per minute required to operate your sprinkler system will determine the service line size. Recommended water pressure allowance for design of a new sprinkler system is 40psi.